Back to Oranjeschool. Reint was there a teacher for four years and Annelies was there together with Monique Zaandam in the first grade with teacher Josie Artsen. Princess Juliana Airport is sponsoring this school by providing free breakfast for those who need it and offered two presentations. ‘Reint en Cecilia played as ‘Rijn & Trijn’ ‘Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf’ at 9 am. At 11 am ‘Flying Dutchman and his Cub, a Dream Comes True’ for the older students. High officials from the government, the Minister of Education, Culture, and Youth & Sports, ms. Patricia Lourens and ms. Gwendolyn Davis-Holiday, Head of Public Education were welcomed by principal Sonia Parrotte-Warner and ms.Suzy Kartokromo of the Juliana Airport and witnessed the early sparkling event. Glenda Holiday was also one of Reints former Oranjeschool students and had taken part in the unforgettable Winair spnsored schooltrips to Saba (1971) en Statia (1972). After the show Reint and Annelies peeked into their old classrooms. Very nice. We bade a warm farewell to the Oranjeschool we were assured to come back whenever we wished.
Then back to the Divi Little Bay Hotel to cool off in that warm, clear sea. ((Holland-Chili 2-0!)and a bite of burger. Books delivered to Van Dorp Bookstore, so one can buy ‘Flying Dutchman and his Cub’ in St.Maarten now.
Then a quick tour around the island. Sunset in Marigot (Saint Martin). In the evening we were invited to the presentation of the first Jean Christian Aviation Scholarship to Kevin Jeffers. Princess Juliana Airport wil sponsor his ATPL (commercial pilots license). This lucky person received also Reints book. And of course the book was also signed by all four of our team and presented to Ms. Regina LaBega, Director of the airport. She is the person, with her staff, initiated by mr. Oral Gibbes, who made it possible, to bring this ‘Dream come true’ story to St.Maarten. Completely satisfied we returned to the hotel to pack, share a glass of wine and beddybye.
